Hoorny Beavers

Sunday 29 January 2012

Yarrh, t’day we did round the Hoorn, tint our mighty sail’n vessel, the SS Incontinent.

Yep, us and a boatful of pensioners went out and stood on the Island of Cabos de Hoornes (Cape Horn). It was a mighty slow walk, for whilst the grannies make it, they move slowly and will hold the centre of the path with a ferocity which belies their feeble, pee encrusted bodies. Actually it wasn’t that bad, there are only a few that fit that description, but it was fun to type. It’s mainly full of loud retired Americans, and grumpy Italians.

Anyway we climbed the Hoorn which was really pretty and took the obligatory photo of the monument to drowned sailors (an Albatross no less).

Then back in the boat. Spent the morning watch the scenery slip past watching the birds and occasional pod of hourglass dolphins. We also went to a couple of talks on vegetation ,etc. A note to all presenters out there, don’t interrupt your own talk by excitedly pointing out an exotic bird outside (Great Southern Petrel, we’d only seen these right down near Antarctica previously). It’s really hard to get people’s attention back. The presenter eventually gave up and went and grabbed his camera, with the talk resuming 20 minutes later.

After a few pre-lunch cocktails, and a big lunch we had a little nap before the second outing of the day which was a walk on an Island overlooking Wulaia Bay. A good walk where they gave options of a coastal stroll or a hike up the hills which they split into fast medium and slow groups, so the frustration of slow grannies somewhat dissipated. Really pretty views and some visits to a couple of beaver dams.

The beavers were introduced to try and get a fur industry established, however, they established rather well, gave rubbish fur and had no predators (sound familiar). They are now wreaking havoc on the local vegetation. I’d never realised how big a tree these little chaps can drop, coupled with wild pigs and inaccessible terrain the damage is staggering. The beavers are rather cute though.

At the end of the hike we had a nice scotch on the shore, then back in the zodiacs accompanied by dolphins in still waters and sunshine. Another 4 course meal, followed by cocktails and bingo (we did the cocktails; Calafate Sours) rounded off the day. Utterly exhausting darlings.